GALLERY
Experience the thrill of discovery and the echoes of the past with our signature Miners Peak Tour. This unique adventure blends scenic drives through Old Bisbee with exhilarating off-road excursions to the mountaintop of Juniper Flats. Begin your journey by exploring the historic streets of Old Bisbee, where the rich architecture and steep, winding roads tell tales of yesteryears. As you delve into the heart of Bisbee’s mining legacy, visit open mine pits to witness firsthand the remnants of mining operations, from abandoned equipment to vibrant minerals embedded in the pit walls.
Your journey continues to the quirky suburb of Lowell, a nostalgic snapshot of retro Americana with its lineup of classic autos and unique lodging experiences. Stroll through the eerie tranquility of local cemeteries or explore accommodations that seem frozen in time.
The climax of your adventure awaits at Juniper Flats. Here, atop the mountain, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, hunt for native minerals, and possibly encounter local wildlife. Throughout your tour, your guide—a Bisbee native—will enrich your experience with personal anecdotes, bringing a personal touch to the vast landscapes and storied locations.
Don't miss this extraordinary adventure that captures the essence of Bisbee’s heritage and natural beauty. Book your Miners Peak Tour and step into a world where history and adventure intersect.
Miners Peak Tour Benefits
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ADVENTUROUS: Immerse yourself in historical explorations and off-road adventures.
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HISTORIC: Learn about Old Bisbee's rich history through its preserved architecture and winding roads.
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INDUSTRIAL: Visit open mine pits and see remnants of historic mining operations.
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RETRO: Experience the nostalgic charm of Lowell with its classic automobiles and unique lodging.
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PANORAMIC: Enjoy stunning vistas from the mountaintop of Juniper Flats.
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EXCITING: Hunt for native minerals at Juniper Flats, adding adventure to your tour.
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NATURAL: Encounter local wildlife in their natural habitat.
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INSIGHTFUL: Gain insights from a Bisbee native guide sharing personal anecdotes.
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MYSTICAL: Explore local cemeteries and timeless accommodations.
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MEMORABLE: Create lasting memories through scenic drives and historic sites.
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EDUCATIONAL: Learn about Bisbee's mining heritage in an engaging and informative way.
3 Hours | Bumpy | Pavement & Offroad
$99 Adult, $90 Senior, $50 Youth, $0 Child
ITINERARY
45 MINUTES - OLD BISBEE
The tour starts on OK Street, immersing you in rich history and unique architecture. As you ascend, the guide elaborates on the street's historical significance, pausing at Joseph Muheim's house to discuss his contributions. Next, you explore Brewery Gulch, known for its blend of architecture and historical events, pausing at Muhiem's Bar for an in-depth look. You'll then move to the Lyric Theater and Central School parking lot, each offering different facets of local history and design. A stop at the Old High School provides insights into the area's educational past. The tour then ascends High Road, offering panoramic views and an extensive history lesson on Bisbee. Finally, you'll descend to Quality Hill for another layer of history and architecture before concluding on Main Street with three distinct stops that bring the area's evolving story full circle.
45 MINUTES - JUNIPER FLATS
The next part of your tour takes you to the top of the Mule Mountains on a dirt road that starts next to the Mule Pass Tunnel. You may see wildlife like the Coues Deer, Coatimundi, or Red-tailed Hawk along the way. Your offroad journey stops at the microwave towers used by Fort Huachuca and immediately upon departing the Big Jeep, there’s a chance to find malachite spread along the ground. From the high perch, you’ll be able to see a few hundred miles into Mexico, along with Douglas, AZ, the Huachuca Mountains, the Chiricahua Mountains, the Sulphur Springs Valley, the San Pedro Valley, the Santa Rita Mountains, the Whetstone Mountains, and the Catalina Mountains near Tucson, AZ.
45 MINUTES - LAVENDER PIT
You'll then visit the Lavender Pit Lookout. Here, a mere five feet from a 900-foot-deep mine pit, the guide details mining methods and equipment. We then move to another pit section showcasing remnants of leaching ponds. The guide explains how copper is extracted from ore through leaching, adding depth to your understanding of mining science. We also delve into the socio-cultural aspects, discussing nearby closed mining communities, the historical context of Bisbee's mining communities, and future mining prospects. This attraction offers an intricate view of mining operations, from large-scale setups to minute chemical processes, all set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.
45 MINUTES - LOWELL
Your tour lastly visits Lowell, AZ. With 1940s classic cars and vintage storefronts, this is an ideal spot for photography. Your guide will also share insights into the historical Junction Mine operations. Next, you'll move to the Shady Dell Hotel. As you drive through its parking lot, the guide will explain the historical importance and the cultural relevance of the hotel. The lot itself is filled with classic vehicles and antique artifacts. Your tour continues to Lowell School, with its copper roof and doors. The guide will share both historical information and personal stories related to the school. Another stop is at a leaching drainage ditch and its polluted waters. The guide will share stories of how this ditch was a hub for his childhood adventures. The last attraction is a drive through the Evergreen Cemetery, a nationally registered historic site. Here, the guide will educate you on the cemetery's historical background and its significance to Bisbee.
Jim
Travis is an excellent and knowledgeable guide. We found malachite and turquoise stones, saw small deer and lots of turkey vultures. We saw much plant life and manzanitas, yucca and learned it used to be Juniper trees removed for development and mining. The Apache - Geronimo was there and his family killed because some thought he was a traitor and he went on warpath and then the soldiers brought peace and he lived rest of his life in Florida. The differnent mountains to Mexico, Sierra Vistas, Warren and Douglas town, The mine pools, the border wall and other areas. Learned alot about the miner who helped fund St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the miners that helped build it after shjifts. Learned about the massacre shootout that caused them to use a tree on a rock next to Wells Fargo remnant of the old Stage Coach wall for hangings. It is called the 'Sinister' Tree. Poor tree but still alive. The old Woolworth and JCPenneys and new developments and great recommendation of restaurants. He was a very good guide. Very down to earth as his ancestors built this town were miners and he was born here. A treasure and so informative. I would use this company for Jeep and walking tours.
Brett
Big Jeep Tour (3-hour) was the highlight of our weekend trip to Bisbee. Travis is the real deal and knows the history, the places to see, and the stories that turn a tour into an event. I highly recommend Big Jeep Tour to any visitors - couples, families, or even solo… you’ll get a perspective of how Bisbee has changed since its mining days and how important the success of Bisbee was to the country. The tour is comfortable and a lot of room in Travis’ jeep. You’ll weave through town up and down steep streets… you’ll see some beautiful sites from the top of town, top of the mountains, and from the mining pits, too. Enjoy!!